The former Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle and Spurs star discussed the fortunes of his former clubs in this season’s Europa League in an interview on Uefa’s official website.

Asked whether Bale is more influential as a winger or as a striker he replied: "Behind the striker because he's the kind of player who likes to face the goal and drive forward. He likes to go at players.

"If you play with your back to goal you have to keep giving the ball back to your midfield. He needs to play behind the strikers to get the ball and run at defences and create opportunities for himself and others.

"Gareth Bale is always positive with his game, always going forward, taking players on. He's got strength, he's got a great left foot. He's the stereotype of the perfect modern footballer."

Ginola also revealed he is hoping to see two of his former clubs contest the Europa League final and says winning a trophy is more important to Spurs than qualifying finishing in the top four.

"My heart says Tottenham v Newcastle. An all-English final would be nice, especially because this season there are no English clubs left in the Champions League," he added.

"Having two English clubs in the Europa League final would be the perfect scenario. Being in the top four to reach the Champions League is very important but the best thing is winning trophies.

"The Europa League is a fantastic competition and for me there is no doubt that if Tottenham can bring the trophy back to White Hart Lane then it would be an achievement for André Villas-Boas and the club. A silver trophy is always very important."

The mercurial forward also reflected on his career highlights and shared some of his favourite memories of his time in England.

"To win the League Cup at Wembley in 1999, and to share the trophy with the Spurs fans, who really deserved it, was fantastic. It was a big achievement that season," he added.

"When Newcastle won 5-0 against Manchester United, it was something special. The fans were gobsmacked with the way we played and the goals we scored were amazing.

"My favourite goal was against Ferencvaros for Newcastle. I flicked the ball over the defender, controlled it with my thigh and volleyed it from 25 metres into the top corner."